Officers received reports of a shooting about a block away from Verdese Carter Park around 6:08 p.m. Monday, said Oakland police spokeswoman Johnna Watson. They learned of a second shooting scene nearby when they arrived.

Two of the victims were in critical condition while the other five suffered non-life threatening injuries, Watson said. The men are between the ages of 23 and 31.

Police did not have a motive for the shooting and were still trying to determine whether the assailant or assailants were on foot or in a vehicle, the Oakland Tribune reported. Chief Sean Whent said it was possible several of the victims were not targeted.

"This is really kind of outrageous," Whent said after arriving at the scene. "Six o'clock at night isn't that late at night."

Residents told the Tribune many people were outside at the time of the shooting for a barbecue.